Studying abroad is the biggest dream among Indian students. They do everything to get into the world’s top universities. But the major concern is that it is not as easy as it looks. Students go through many processes to be eligible for the university they are enrolling in. Students from anywhere on the globe must prove their English skills to qualify for that university.
Now the question arises, which English test should students take in 2025?
The IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE exams are globally recognized exams that are accepted all over the world in any foreign university. But which one should you choose?
In this blog, you will learn everything about comparing the IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE exam. From IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE exam score comparisons to their test format, scoring system, fees, acceptance, and much more, you will get to know every detail.
What are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Exam?
IELTS Exam is the abbreviated term of the International English Language Testing System. This exam is widely accepted in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Top universities of these countries ask for English proficiency from their candidates, and IELTS exam scores are proof of your English speaking, writing, and reading skills. This test is basically of two types: academic and the other one is general training. IELTS exams are generally paper- or computer-based. Students are required to score above 6 to be eligible for university admission. This test gets completed within 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The TOEFL Exam is the abbreviated term for Test of English as a Foreign Language. Its score is widely accepted in countries like the UK. Top universities in the UK prefer the TOEFL exam score as a candidate’s English proficiency. TOEFL exams are generally computer-based and more focused on academic English. Candidates need to score between 90 and 120 for a good TOEFL score. This test is completed in 2 hours.
The PTE Exam is the short form of the Pearson Test of English. PTE exam scores are widely accepted in countries like Australia and New Zealand and are becoming more popular in the UK and Canada. PTE exams are modern tests using AI to check and score candidate answers. It is a fully computer-based exam where candidates must score between 70 and 90 to be eligible for admission. This test usually checks candidates’ speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills in the English language. This test also gets completed within 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Exam
Candidates who are still confused about the IELTS exam, TOEFL exam, and PTE Exam can figure out their problem. Below is a table explaining how all three exams are different from each other. Students can use this table to sort out their confusion about choosing which English exam to take for university admission abroad.
| Feature | IELTS Exam | TOEFL Exam | PTE Exam |
| Speaking | Face-to-face | Recorded on a computer | AI-based computer test |
| Writing | Two written tasks | Two written tasks | Combined with speaking |
| Listening | Audio recordings | Academic lectures | Mixed question types |
| Reading | Academic & General | Academic focus | Academic & general |
| Mode | Paper/Computer | Computer only | Computer only |
| Result Time | 3–13 days | 6–10 days | 2 days |
PTE IELTS TOEFL Score Comparison
PTE vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL score comparison helps students choose the right English proficiency exam based on their university’s requirements. It is very necessary to understand how each exam’s scores differ. For example: A TOEFL score between 60-78 means a 5.5 score for IELTS and 42-49 marks for PTE score. Many universities in the UK specify the English proficiency exam score in their admission eligibility column. Hence, below is the comparison of PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL scores to clarify your confusion.
| IELTS Score | TOEFL Score | PTE Score |
| 5.5 | 60–78 | 42–49 |
| 6.0 | 79–84 | 50–57 |
| 6.5 | 85–90 | 58–64 |
| 7.0 | 94–100 | 65–72 |
| 7.5 | 102–109 | 73–79 |
| 8.0 | 110–114 | 79–83 |
| 8.5 | 115–117 | 84–88 |
| 9.0 | 118–120 | 89–90 |
Remember that you must score above 6 to pass the IELTS exam, between 90-120 to pass the TOEFL exam, and between 70-90 to pass the PTE exam.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Exam Fees
In 2025, if you plan to enroll in top universities abroad, then start preparing for the IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE exam. Below is the table mentioned where you can easily compare the average fees of the IELTS exam, TOEFL exam, and PTE exam.
| Country | IELTS Fee | TOEFL Fee | PTE Fee |
| India | ₹18,000 | ₹16,900 | ₹18,000 |
| USA | $245 | $225 | $220 |
| Australia | AUD 395 | AUD 300 | AUD 375 |
Pros and Cons of IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE exam
| Exams | Pros | Cons |
| IELTS Exam | Widely accepted for immigration | Results take longer with paper-based tests |
| TOEFL Exam | Widely accepted in the U.S. | Takes more time to complete |
| PTE Exam | AI-based scoring removes bias | All tasks are computer-based |
Test Validity and Retake Rules for the exams
It is worth remembering that the IELTS exam, TOEFL exam, and PTE exam scores are valid for two years. Candidates can retake the IELTS exam anytime, even a single section. The TOEFL exams can be retaken every three days, and PTE exams can be retaken without waiting.
Preparation Tips for the IELTS Exam, TOEFL Exam, and PTE Exam
Students willing to prepare for the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE exams should consider these simple steps so that they can prepare for their test smoothly without any hindrance. The below-mentioned steps will surely guide you on how to prepare for the IELTS exam, TOEFL exam, or PTE exam from scratch.
- Initially, start searching with universities. Always check what your university or country prefers. Some prefer the IELTS exam, while others accept only the TOEFL exam or PTE exam.
- After deciding on the exam you want to give for English proficiency, start preparing for your exams regularly. Take full-length mock tests daily. Work on your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Also, develop habits like watching English news and listening to English podcasts.
- Use official materials like books and free practice tests from official and trusted websites. If you still feel your preparation lacks something, then join a tuition class for your preparation. If you’re still worried about your preparation, connect with some tutors who can guide you well.
Conclusion
Studying abroad requires certain documents that prove your qualification is best suited for that particular university. In simpler words, the UK or other English-speaking countries demand IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE exam scores to confirm your English proficiency. Hence, choosing between these exams can be confusing. But the PTE IELTS TOEFL score comparison and their difference can make your work easy. Choose the IELTS exam, TOEFL exam, or PTE exam according to university requirements. Once you are done with it, you are set to achieve your dream.
